Life [May 11, 1899]

This copy of Life magazine belongs to the first publication under that name, which was a weekly edition founded in 1883 as a light, general interest entertainment magazine. This issue, like the publication generally, is full of illustrations, jokes and social commentary. The cover features four roundels describing the magazine's content: society, literature, politics, and drama. It opens with an illustration, "The Difference" by T.K. Hanna Jr., and at the center is a two-page print by F.T. Richards, "Oh, Yes, Give Us Expansions..."." The magazine is missing it's back cover, and the front cover is detached. Otherwise, in good condition with light wear. Life Magazine was published for 53 years before Henry Luce bought it out in order to use the title for his own publication, which is the Life we know today. This earlier general-interest magazine featured some of the greatest writers, editors and cartoonists of its era, including Charles Dana Gibson, Norman Rockwell, and Harry Oliver. This copy is a rare example of this early publication.